This is a nice feel-good story, but if you think for even five seconds about what it being true would have to imply about "the neighborhood", you'll prefer thinking "random good luck."
Many. many people will steal from "faceless corporations", even if they wouldn't steal from an individual.
The owner is clearly part of the in-group.
People in this neighborhood respect John's Diner, and its proprietor.
People in this neighborhood like the one restaurant they have left.
I'm just as confused as the rest of the people.
It really isn't. I have a vague sense that you're avoiding saying something because you're afraid of being called a racist, or some-such. But that's about all I'm getting from this.
There are plenty of places you could go in Detroit, have a good time and be relatively safe compared to most major cities. Despite this safe haven restaurant this neighborhood isn't one of them.
Here's a neighborhood crime map, darkest blue is safest:
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/mi/detroit/crime/
The two gray areas are not Detroit, they're Highland Park and Hamtramack. Belle Isle (island in the river) since it was taken over by the state is now crawling with state troopers and is one of the safest areas in the city.
Yes, I think the article is clear about that; it actually says it was rated the worst in the country. What I don't get is what the story "implies about the neighborhood" that one would prefer to think he simply has luck.